True Lavender vs Spike Lavender

#magkish true Lavender vs Spike lavender

#magkish true Lavender vs Spike lavender

Which one is your favourite?

Chemically, all forms contain linalyl acetate, linalool and 1,8-cineole, along with many other compounds.

Spike lavender comes from the Lavandula latifolia or Lavandula spica species. These grow at much lower altitudes, are easier and cheaper to cultivate and give high yields of oil. The main country of origin is Spain.

Esters

Esters

Linalyl acetate (3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-yl acetate) Found in essential oils of bergamot, lavender, lavandin, spike lavender, Clary sage, neroli and petitgrain. Floral, fruity, sweet and herbaceous odour.

Properties of esters. Properties commonly associated with esters include:
●● gentle in action, similar to alcohols
●● characteristic sweet, fruity odours
●● antifungal
●● anti-inflammatory
●● antispasmodic
●● calming and tonic to nervous system
●● effective for skin rashes.

Synergy
In lavender essential oils, linalool and linalyl acetate are sedative and antispasmodic compounds; when lavender is used in blends with other essential oils, these effects can be enhanced.

Spike lavender

For the spike (Lavandula latifolia) lavender the analysis shows a much lower acetate content and a high natural camphor and 1,8-cineole level. This makes it useful for respiratory infections, as an insecticide and for muscular pain. However, it must be used cautiously as it is a more vigorous oil. GC analysis for spike lavender (Lavandula latifolia). The camphor level is high and that of linalyl acetate is low. Courtesy of Jenny Warden, Traceability.

* Reference from Sue Clarke Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy, Second Edition.

Spike lavender, Lavandula latifolia, has high amounts of 1,8-cineole (25–37%), while true lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, has very small amounts (0–5%). Lavandula latifolia may contain up to 60% camphor, while Lavandula angustifolia has only up to about 12%.